Vehicle Description
Driver-level Split-window — Numbers-matching 327, Presentable, Needs Cosmetic Work
OVERALL CONDITION: The Riverside Red paint is older (15+ years) and has aged. It presents well at a distance but up close shows: orange peel on the hood, a 2-inch crack in the paint on the driver's door, and micro-blistering on the trunk lid. The fiberglass body has a few stress cracks at the usual places — ahead of the doors and at the front of the hood. The split-window is original glass and clear. All chrome is presentable — the bumpers have minor pitting and the taillight bezels show aging. The side pipes are aftermarket and have surface discoloration. The knock-off wheels are correct and in good shape. Interior is original-style: black vinyl seats with minor cracking on the driver's bottom, the door panels are good, and the dash is intact — no cracks. The gauge cluster works except for the clock (common). Carpet is replacement and clean. The steering wheel is the original wood-rimmed unit with wear on the rim.
ENGINE: Numbers-matching 327 CI V8 rated at 350 HP with the L84 fuelie heads. It starts on the first crank and idles at 850 RPM — smooth for a high-performance 327. The Rochester fuel injection unit has been serviced and works correctly — no stumble, no hesitation. Compression is 170-180 psi across all cylinders — excellent. No smoke, no leaks from the engine. The cooling system runs at 190°F — the original copper radiator is still in use and adequate. Exhaust flows through the side pipes — the sound is classic Corvette: sharp, mechanical, and loud. This engine is healthy and original.
TRANSMISSION: Borg-Warner T10 4-speed manual. Shifts are clean in all gears — no grinding. The shifter is the original unit and has some play in the stick. Clutch is a replacement with about 70% life. Engagement is smooth. No slippage.
BRAKES: Manual drum brakes at all four corners — original configuration. The pedal is firm but requires a strong foot. Front drums are at 60%, rears at 50%. The shoes are in good condition. Parking brake works. These are original-style drum brakes — adequate for careful driving but not for aggressive use.
UNDERCARRIAGE: Frame is solid — no rust anywhere on the birdcage (the Corvette frame structure). This is critical for a C2 and this one is good. The fiberglass floor pans are intact with no soft spots. The body is bonded to the frame properly with no separation. Front suspension has been rebuilt — new bushings and ball joints. Rear is the original independent suspension — the trailing arm bushings are aging and should be replaced. Gas tank is original with minor surface scale but no leaks. The undercarriage is honest — not detailed but solid.
Test Drive Experience
The fuelie 327 starts instantly — the Rochester injection gives it a crisp, responsive feel that carbureted Corvettes can't match. The idle is smooth and mechanical — you hear the cam, the injectors, and the side pipes. First gear engages with a firm clunk from the T10 and the Corvette pulls hard — the 350 HP 327 is a strong engine with excellent throttle response.
The shifter has some play but the gears engage positively. The side pipes are LOUD — there's no way around it. At highway speed, 70 MPH in 4th puts you at about 2,800 RPM and the exhaust is a constant mechanical soundtrack.
The manual drum brakes require a firm, deliberate push — the car stops but you need to plan. The steering is manual and heavy at parking speeds but precise above 30 MPH — it feels like a sports car should. The independent rear suspension is compliant and the car corners surprisingly well — better than a solid axle car.
The ride is firm but not punishing. After 45 minutes of driving, the temp held at 190°F and everything felt solid. This is a real, driver-level split-window Corvette — it has flaws but it drives like the icon it is.
| Engine Size | 327 CI V8 (350 HP) |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| Transmission Detail | 4 Speed |
| Rear Axle Ratio | 3.70:1 |
| Est. Fuel Consumption | 15 city / 22 hwy MPG |
| Mileage | 51,234 mi (actual miles) |
| Exterior Body Color | Riverside Red |
|---|---|
| Interior Color | Black |
| Stock Number | C2990 |
|---|---|
| Model Year | 1963 |
| Make | Chevrolet |
| Model | Corvette |
| Sub Model / Trim | Split-Window |
| Inventory Location | Woodinville, WA |
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